Universal Fashionable Flexible Connector for Swimwear

ABSTRACT

A fashionable flexible attire arrangement of which two or more portions of a clothing ensemble are stylistically connected via an at least one universal fashionable flexible connector. Typically the clothing ensemble is swimwear and has an at least one covering garment and a plurality of attachment pieces connected around the at least one covering garment. The at least one universal fashionable flexible connector has an ornamental body, which is uniquely shaped in order to provide a fashionable appearance of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector. A plurality of loops positioned around the ornamental body provide the means for attaching the at least one ornamental body to the plurality of attachment pieces of the clothing ensemble. When worn outdoors, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector will act to produce styled tan lines in the shape of the at least one ornamental body, much like a tattoo.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 61/691,971 filed on Aug. 22, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to clothing. More specificallythe present invention is a clothing system that utilizes a universalfashionable flexible connector to connect two or more portions of anarticle of clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimwear is a form of clothing that is often worn when one is performingwater activities, particularly outdoors. Today there is a wide varietyof different swimwear options for both men and women, with stylesvarying in relation to body coverage and the type of material used inthe construction of the swimsuit. Typical male swimsuits includeboardshorts and swim trunks, while typical female swimsuits includeone-pieces, bikinis, and bikini variations. While most swimsuits providethe same functionality, their overall appearance often varies inaccordance with the current social fashion trends. Bikinis, inparticular, are open to unique designs as they comprise straps and/orconnectors to join different portions of the swimsuit. However, thesestraps and connectors are often simple loops. Additionally, theseconnectors are often rigid, being made of plastic or metal, whichdetracts from the comfort of the swimsuit while it is worn by anindividual.

Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide auniversal fashionable flexible connector that stylistically connectsdifferent portions of a swimsuit together. The universal fashionableflexible connector has an ornamental body and a plurality of loopsthrough which attachment pieces of the swimsuit are coupled. Theornamental body provides a uniquely styled design and can be designed toreflect abstract images, letters, numbers, etc. Unlike traditionalswimwear connectors that are rigid, the universal fashionable flexibleconnector contours to the shape of the user's body, and as such, theuniversal fashionable flexible connector is more comfortable to wearthan traditional swimwear connectors. The universal fashionable flexibleconnector can be sized and shaped to match the style of any coveringgarment, thus a universal fashionable flexible connector can be found tomatch the fashion sense of almost all individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the at least one universalfashionable flexible connector having specifically two loops in thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the at least one universalfashionable flexible connector having specifically three loops in thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector being used as a side strap to connect the front andback portions of a bikini bottom.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector being used as a shoulder strap to connect the frontand back portions of a bikini top.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector being used as a back strap to connect the sideportions of a bikini top

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector being used as a central fastener to connect the sideand rear straps of a bikini bottom.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector being used as a central fastener to connect the sideand rear straps of a bikini top.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a fashionable flexible attire arrangement thatis applicable to women, men, transgender individuals, and children ofany age. The fashionable flexible attire arrangement comprises at leastone universal fashionable flexible connector 1 and a clothing ensemble2. The clothing ensemble 2 provides the fabric or other material expansethat covers a user, while the universal hub connects portions of theclothing ensemble 2 to each other in order to provide a garment that canbe securely worn. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the clothing ensemble 2 is swimwear, however, it is possible for theclothing ensemble 2 to be any other articles of clothing including, butnot limited to, tank tops, dresses, and lingerie.

Typically when at an outdoor venue, such as at the beach, camping, etc.,an individual will tan if he or she is exposed to the sun for anextended period of time. For the individual who tans, the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1 can be used to provide theindividual with a temporary tan line tattoo. Particularly when used inpart with a clothing ensemble 2 that is swimwear, the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1 acts as a tan line stencilwhen the fashionable flexible attire arrangement is worn outdoors.Rather than bland, simple geometric tan lines, the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1 allows the user to obtainfashionable tan lines that mimic the outline of the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1.

In reference to FIGS. 3-4, the at least one clothing ensemble 2comprises at least one covering garment 21 and a plurality of attachmentpieces 22. The at least one covering garment 21 is the fabric portion ofthe clothing ensemble 2 that is formed into traditional pieces ofclothing. For example, the at least one covering garment 21 can be anupper garment such as a bikini top, a lower garment such as a bikinibottom or a combination of an upper garment and a lower garment. The atleast one covering garment 21 can be any article of clothing thatrequires the use of straps or similar connecting members.

The plurality of attachment pieces 22 is the portion of the clothingensemble 2 to which the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnector 1 is removably attached or permanently connected, and as suchthe plurality of attachment pieces 22 is connected to the at least onecovering garment 21. The plurality of attachment pieces 22 isperimetrically positioned around the at least one covering garment 21 inthe typical locations where straps or similar connecting members wouldbe connected to an article of clothing. For example, the plurality ofattachment pieces 22 would be positioned around the top edge of a tanktop, or at the corners of the front and back pieces of a bikini bottom.

The plurality of attachment pieces 22 can be designed as any formationto allow for the coupling of the clothing ensemble 2 and the at leastone universal fashionable flexible connector 1. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of attachmentpieces 22 is an eyelet, a hook, a strap, or a combination thereof. Theeyelet can be as simple as a hole in the at least on covering garment ora more complex looped portion of material, while the hook can be eithersingle or double sided depending on the application of the hook. Theparticular type of attachment piece used depends on the desiredconnection between the clothing ensemble 2 and the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1 (i.e. temporary orpermanent), as well as the desired style of the clothing ensemble 2.

In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector 1 is the device that connects two or more sections ofthe clothing ensemble 2 to each other. The at least one universalfashionable flexible connector 1 is bendable such that the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector contours to the shape of theindividual's body. In this way, the functionality of the clothingensemble 2 to which the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnector 1 is attached is not compromised. The shape and dimensions ofthe at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 are designedin accordance to the style and form of the clothing ensemble 2 to whichthe at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is attached.Each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1comprises an ornamental body 11 and a plurality of loops 12. Theornamental body 11 is the decorative portion of the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1 and provides the uniqueoverall appearance to the fashionable flexible attire arrangement. Theornamental body 11 can be constructed to reflect any number of designsand/or styles of clothing, such as abstract images, letters, numbers, orthe combination thereof. Additionally, items such as rhinestones orjewels may be embedded into, or otherwise attached to, the ornamentalbody 11 in order to further enhance the appearance of the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1.

In further reference to FIGS. 1-2, the plurality of loops 12 is thecomponent of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1that allows the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1to be attached to the clothing ensemble 2. The plurality of loops 12 ispositioned laterally around the ornamental body 11 and each of theplurality of loops 12 comprises a first loop end 16 and a second loopend 17. The first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 isadjacently connected to the ornamental body 11, such that the first loopend 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is permanently joined withthe ornamental body 11. Unlike, the first loop end 16, the second loopend 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can be either connected tothe ornamental body 11 in a permanent fashion or attached to theornamental body 11, such that the second loop end 17 of each of theplurality of loops 12 is detachable from the ornamental body 11. Thesecond loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is eitherpermanently connected or removably attached to the ornamental body 11adjacent to the first loop end 16.

The nature of the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops12 being affixed temporarily or permanently to the ornamental body 11allows for varying functionality of the present invention. For example,a permanent connection between the second end loop of each of theplurality of loops 12 and the ornamental body 11 may provide easierand/or cheaper manufacture of the present invention. However, byallowing the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 tobe detached from the ornamental body 11, an individual is given theability to interchange the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnector 1 and/or the clothing ensemble 2. This temporary attachmentallows a user to create an almost unlimited number of stylisticcombinations of the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnectors 1 and clothing ensemble 2.

Any type of fastening mechanism may be used to secure the second loopend 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 to the ornamental body 11,when a temporary attachment is desired. Types of fastening mechanismsthat may be used include, but are not limited to, snaps, hook and loopfasteners, or clasps. Depending on the desired fastening mechanism, itmay be necessary to design the first loop end 16 of each of theplurality of loops 12 such that the first loop end 16 of each of theplurality of loops 12 is hingedly connected to the ornamental body 11,or otherwise pivotally connected. Allowing the first loop end 16 of eachof the plurality of loops 12 to be hingedly or pivotally connected tothe ornamental body 11 in turn allows each of the plurality of loops 12to be pulled away from the ornamental body 11 creating a gap between thetwo bodies. The provided gap allows for the plurality of loops 12 tomore readily be attached to the plurality of attachment pieces 22.

It is also possible for the second loop end 17 of each of the pluralityof loops 12 to not be attached to the at least one ornamental body 11.The second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can bepositioned near the ornamental body 11 such that there is a gap betweenthe second loop end 17 and the ornamental body 11. In this way, thesecond loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can be slippedthrough the plurality of attachment pieces 22 when each of the pluralityof attachment pieces 22 is an eyelet. Even though the second loop end 17of each of the plurality of loops 12 may not be attached to theornamental body 11, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality ofloops 12 may still be in contact with the ornamental body 11. In thisway, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 may beheld in pressure contact with the ornamental body 11 such that a secureclosed loop is formed, yet the second loop end 17 of each of theplurality of loops 12 can still be pulled away from the ornamental body11 leaving a gap through which the plurality of loops 12 can be attachedto the plurality of attachment pieces 22.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of loops 12 isspecifically two loops in a first embodiment of the present invention.Particularly, each of the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnector 1 comprises a first loop 13 and a second loop 14 along withthe ornamental body 11. Like the plurality of loops 12 described above,the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 each have a first loop end 16and a second loop end 17. The ornamental body 11 is a thin, elongatedmember and the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are positionedopposite of each other along the ornamental body 11. The first loop end16 of both the first loop 13 and second loop 14 is adjacently connectedto the ornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of the first loop 13is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16of the first loop 13. Similarly, the second loop end 17 of the secondloop 14 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the firstloop end 16 of the second loop 14. The first loop 13 and the second loop14 are coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces 22, allowing the atleast one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 to connect twoportions of the clothing ensemble 2. In the first embodiment of thepresent invention the at least one universal fashionable flexibleconnector 1 is used in conjunction with the clothing ensemble 2 beingswimwear.

In reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6-7, the plurality of loops 12 isspecifically three loops in a second embodiment of the presentinvention. Particularly, each of the at least one universal fashionableflexible connector 1 is flexible and comprises a first loop 13, a secondloop 14, and a third loop 15 along with the ornamental body 11. Like theplurality of loops 12 described above, the first loop 13, the secondloop 14, and the third loop 15 each have a first loop end 16 and asecond loop end 17. The ornamental body 11 is a thin, elongated memberand the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are positioned opposite ofeach other across the ornamental body 11, while the third loop 15 ispositioned about one end of the ornamental body 11. The first loop 13and the second loop 14 are also positioned along the ornamental body 11such that both the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are equidistantfrom the third loop 15. The first loop end 16 of the first loop 13,second loop 14, and third loop 15 is adjacently connected to theornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of the first loop 13 isconnected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 ofthe first loop 13. Similarly, the second loop end 17 of the second loop14 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end16 of the second loop 14. Likewise, the second loop end 17 of the thirdloop 15 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the firstloop end 16 of the third loop 15. The first loop 13, second loop 14, andthird loop 15 are coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces 22,allowing the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 toconnect two portions of the clothing ensemble 2. In the secondembodiment of the present invention the at least one universalfashionable flexible connector 1 is used in conjunction with theclothing ensemble 2 being swimwear.

In the preferred method of use, the clothing ensemble 2 is swimwear. Theat least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is coupled tothe desired plurality of attachment pieces 22 in order to create thedesired clothing arrangement. For example, the at least one universalfashionable flexible connector 1 can be coupled to the plurality ofattachment pieces 22 to form the shoulder strap of a bikini top, theback strap of a bikini top, the side strap of a bikini bottom, etc. Ifthe at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 ispermanently connected to the clothing ensemble 2, then the individualwill choose the desired fashionable flexible attire arrangement to wear.Otherwise, the individual can choose the at least one universalfashionable flexible connector 1 and the clothing ensemble 2 he or shedesires in order to create his or her own unique look. Once theindividual has dressed in his or her fashionable flexible attirearrangement, he or she can then proceed with the activities of his orher liking. When the individual is wearing the fashionable flexibleattire arrangement in an outdoor venue, the individual may tan afterprolonged exposure to the sun. If the individual tans, then he or shewill have acquired tan lines in the stylistic shape of the at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector 1. In this way, the individualhas a temporary, tattoo-like design imprinted on their skin, which ismore desirable than boring and bland, straight tan lines.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clothing system comprises: at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector; a clothing ensemble; each ofthe at least one universal fashionable flexible connector comprises anornamental body and a plurality of loops; the clothing ensemblecomprises an at least one covering garment and a plurality of attachmentpieces; each of the plurality of loops comprises a first loop end and asecond loop end; the plurality of loops being laterally positionedaround the ornamental body; the first loop end of each of the pluralityof loops being adjacently connected to the ornamental body; theplurality of attachment pieces being perimetrically positioned aroundthe at least one covering garment; the plurality of attachment piecesbeing connected to the at least one covering garment; and the pluralityof loops being coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces.
 2. Theclothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the second loop end ofeach of the plurality of loops being connected to the ornamental bodyadjacent to the first loop end.
 3. The clothing system as claimed inclaim 1 comprises: the second loop end of each of the plurality of loopsbeing attached to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end,wherein the second loop end is detachable from the ornamental body. 4.The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the plurality ofloops being specifically two loops.
 5. The clothing system as claimed inclaim 1 comprises: the plurality of loops being specifically threeloops.
 6. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each ofthe plurality of attachment pieces being components selected from thegroup consisting of an eyelet, a hook, a strap, and a combinationthereof.
 7. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises: theclothing ensemble being swimwear.
 8. A clothing system comprises: atleast one universal fashionable flexible connector; a clothing ensemble;each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connectorcomprises an ornamental body, a first loop, and a second loop; theclothing ensemble comprises an at least one covering garment and aplurality of attachment pieces; the first loop and the second loop eachcomprise a first loop end and a second loop end; the first loop and thesecond loop being positioned opposite of each other along the ornamentalbody; the first loop end of the first loop and the first loop end of thesecond loop being adjacently connected to the ornamental body; thesecond loop end of the first loop being connected to the ornamental bodyadjacent to the first loop end of the first loop; the second loop end ofthe second loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to thefirst loop end of the second loop; the plurality of attachment piecesbeing perimetrically positioned around the at least one coveringgarment; the plurality of attachment pieces being connected to the atleast one covering garment; the first loop and the second loop beingcoupled to the plurality of attachment pieces; and the clothing ensemblebeing swimwear.
 9. The clothing system as claimed in claim 8 comprises:each of the plurality of attachment pieces being components selectedfrom the group consisting of an eyelet, a hook, a strap, and acombination thereof.
 10. A clothing system comprises: at least oneuniversal fashionable flexible connector; a clothing ensemble; each ofthe at least one universal fashionable flexible connector comprises anornamental body, a first loop, a second loop, and a third loop; theclothing ensemble comprises an at least one covering garment and aplurality of attachment pieces; the first loop, the second loop, and thethird loop each comprise a first loop end and a second loop end; thefirst loop and the second loop being positioned opposite of each otheracross the ornamental body; the first loop and the second loop beingpositioned equidistant from the third loop; the first loop end of thefirst loop, the first loop end of the second loop, and the first loopend of the third loop being adjacently connected to the ornamental body;the second loop end of the first loop being connected to the ornamentalbody adjacent to the first loop end of the first loop; the second loopend of the second loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacentto the first loop end of the second loop; the second loop end of thethird loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to the firstloop end of the third loop; the plurality of attachment pieces beingperimetrically positioned around the at least one covering garment; theplurality of attachment pieces being connected to the at least onecovering garment; the first loop, the second loop, and the third loopbeing coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces; and the clothingensemble being swimwear.
 11. The clothing system as claimed in claim 10comprises: each of the plurality of attachment pieces being componentsselected from the group consisting of an eyelet, a hook, a strap, and acombination thereof.